Loretta M. Biederstedt, 81, Dickinson, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Shadehill, SD in the comfort of her son and daughter-in-law’s home.

Loretta, daughter of the late Lawrence and Sophia (Wojdyla) Smith was born May 17, 1941, in Thorp, WI. Loretta attended Thorp High School and upon graduation went to work as a dental assistant for the local dentist, Dr. Slota, in Thorp. This is where she met her husband Russel Biederstedt, when he was invited to her parent’s home for supper by her brother.

Russel and Loretta were married on November 24, 1960. They traveled to numerous states for Russel’s work, spending short amounts of time in each. It was during these travels that two of their three children, Dennis and Gina, were born. In 1963 they moved to Lemmon, SD where their third child, Carol was born. Loretta continued her career as a dental assistant in Lemmon and Dickinson after she and Russel moved there in 1981. Loretta decided to retire from dental work and found her next career choice to be one of her passions. She became employed with the Dickinson Public Library, and it is there, where she met many of her good friends.

Early in life Loretta took a lot of pride in her sewing skills making Barbie clothes as a pastime which led her to making brides and bridesmaid dresses through the years. She also spent many hours crocheting and knitting numerous items for family and friends. This was usually after a good game of Scrabble with one of her neighbors.

She was never one to turn down an opportunity to paint and lend a hand whenever someone asked, but gardening was one of her favorite pastimes. She loved to garden and put countless hours of work into having a beautiful plant, flower and vegetable garden, for not only herself, but others. Her pride in a beautiful garden showed whenever she had the opportunity to provide her assistance. Including the plants that were placed when the library was expanded. The compliments she received made that pride show.

Later in life, she brought the sewing machine back into use, as it was her joy for quilting that kept her most busy until she no longer had the energy to make them. Quilts were made for family and friends and as with her other hobbies, love went into each creation.

Then there was her little dog “Sassy” which she got after the passing of Russel in 2012. Sassy even had her own quilt. There isn’t a family member who wouldn’t have a “Sassy Story” and then shake their head. This gave Loretta pleasure as Sassy was one of her greatest joys. Loretta was quick witted and spoke what she thought, but her soft side always showed for her family, and she would always lend a helping hand on any project they had. She was very proud of her family and had an influence on all of them in one way or another. They were her greatest pride of all.

Loretta will be missed by many and we ask that you remember that sweet, little lady and the positive impact she had on so many.

Loretta is survived by her son, Dennis (Jan) Biederstedt, Dickinson, ND; daughters, Gina Alonzo, Edmund, OK, and Carol (Quentin) Kitzan, Destin, FL; grandchildren, Brooke Biederstedt, Paige (Austin) Hibl, Erika (friend, Jeremiah Slater) Bjornson, Derek Alonzo, Akoya (Avery) Smeija, Raven Kitzan, and Dalton Kitzan; great-grandchildren, Bodie Bjornson, Henry Slater, Saylor Hibl, Cy Hibl, Ander Smeija, and Akley Smeija.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Russel; her parents; sister, MaryAnn; brother, Arnie; great-grandson, Nolan; and son-in-law, Julian Alonzo.

Loretta’s wish was to be cremated and everyone to remember her as they knew her. There will be no service held in her honor.

Any memorials will be used to support the Dickinson Public Library, or Friends of the Library and West Winds Health Services, 300 N Fairground St., Faith, SD 57626. West Winds Health Services (Jamie) greatly improved the care that Loretta received from Dennis and Jan.